Location-based services and GPS become major features in tablets and cameras

Jack Loo |
Nov. 19, 2012

ABI Research also predicts that Sony’s handheld gaming platform can kick-start location-based gaming.

Analyst firm ABI Research has said that the tablet and camera markets will see strong adoption of location-based services and GPS capability.

"When we look at the adoption of applications on tablets, it is forecast to largely mirror that of smartphones, with a focus on local search, social, enterprise, navigation, and ambient intelligence," said ABI Research senior analyst Patrick Connolly.

According to ABI Research, the Android platform will lead the way, as ubiquitous location becomes a necessary component.

The camera market has huge potential, with geotagging a clear driver. With over 30 GPS-enabled cameras on the market, shipments are expected to break 10 million in 2013, said analysts at ABI Research. There is also a second wave of new applications emerging around tracking, Maps/POI, and dead-reckoning.

However, there needs to be a complete overhaul of how cameras are designed, to find a way to leverage the photography revolution occurring on smartphones. ABI Research predicts that this will open the door to GPS, alternative location, and LBS in future.

Meanwhile, the launch of the Sony Vita was expected to kick-start the location-based gaming (LBG) industry, featuring wi-fi location as standard, and an optional GPS/modem module.

ABI Research practice director Dominique Bonte said: "Irrespective of limited device sales, location-based gaming and community applications still have fundamental barriers concerning critical mass and where and how the device is used. As a result, LBG is expected to initially flourish on smartphones, with GPS forecast to remain subdued on gaming devices."